Word: thorax
(lookup in dictionary)
(lookup stats)
Dates: during 1960-1969
Sort By: most recent first
(reverse)
Midge flight is controlled by two sets of opposed, springlike muscles in the insect's thorax. Acting through elastic structures in the thorax wall, one muscle set draws the wings up, the other pulls them down. At a specific point on the upswing, the wings "click" to a fully elevated position, the elevating muscles automatically relax, and the tautly stretched depressing muscles take over. The same sequence is repeated on the downswing. The flying muscles do not need to be triggered by nerve commands. The insect's nerves serve only to start and stop the process-like...